The law and pigeon pest control explained

DEFRA (Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs regulates the control of feral pigeons and the rest of wild birds in the United Kingdom based on the Wildlife and Countryside Act from 1981 (or chapter 69 to be more precise).

The purpose of this Act is to regulate all legal matter related to the handling of wildlife, wildlife conservation and issuing licenses. Even though this is a very detailed act, it doesn’t provide specific instructions about pigeon pest control and the issues that arise as a result of wild birds’ activities. These problems are handled by the landowner where wild birds and feral pigeons appear. However, DEFRA frequently releases leaflets which advises about what individuals can do when specific problems related to these birds occur.

In the first part of the Wildlife and Countryside Act from 1981, the law confirms that individuals and organizations are not allowed to kill, injure or hold captive wild birds, damage and destroy their nests and destroy their eggs. Taking such actions is considered an offence. The only exception can be found in the General Licenses and they are related to specific species of birds listed there.

It’s important to point out that although a General License allows individuals to kill certain birds, this is only the case when the birds present threat to the health and security of the general public. The protection of a fabric of any building is not a reason to kill any bird or to destroy their nests.

For more advice about the laws surrounding pigeon pest control, please contact us now.